How to Make it Feel Like Fall in Florida

As the rest of the country begins to hunker down and pile on sweaters and rake leaves, Floridians still get to enjoy the beach and sunshine for a little while longer. Although the weather will probably remain fairly mild for the rest of the year, there’s no reason we can’t indulge in the typical Autumn pleasures. We’ve got a few ways to make it feel like fall (snow boots and heavy coats not required.)

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Some people might take this holiday favorite a bit overboard, but we totally don’t blame them. In addition to picking up a PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte for those out of the loop) at any coffee shop in America, recipes like pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls and doughnuts are just as tasty. Hey, we have a great date night idea for you. Celebrate the season by carving pumpkins followed by some yummy pumpkin spice ice cream while watching a movie. (One of our favorite perks of living in Florida is year-round ice cream…) Give some other fall essentials like apple cider, maple pancakes, chai tea or butternut squash soup a try while it’s still slightly cool outside.

If you’re looking for other great fall desserts, come by Marker 32 and try our Maple Crème Brûlée or Spiced Citrus Pears. Our mouths are watering just thinking about these desserts.

Decorate Inside as if the Snow is Falling Outside

Just because the trees are all still green doesn’t mean you can’t put a red, yellow and orange wreath on the door. Although we don’t get a true fall here in Florida, each of our restaurants is filled with all kinds of seasonal decor. If you want to ’tis the season for yourself, any local craft or superstore is sure to have tons of great decorations to help put you and your family in the spirit. Need a little inspiration? Some seasonal kitchen towels, a table runner and cinnamon candles can really have it feeling like fall without even having to step outside.

Take Advantage of Our Little Bit of Cold Weather

Although it never lasts very long, the Florida fall weather is just perfect. Sunny and mid-sixties…does it get any better than that? Be sure to open the doors and windows and invite some friends over to finally put that backyard patio or fire pit to use. Even though the rest of the season is fairly warm, take advantage of these few weeks of heaven-on-earth temperatures. Head to the beach, go for a hike and enjoy the things that all of your friends up north won’t be able to take advantage of for the next few months.

Corn Mazes, Fall Festivals and Turkey Trots

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean all the fall festivities are coming to an end. You’re in luck! A few corn mazes and fall festivals in Central and North Florida remain open through Thanksgiving. Also, keep an eye out for upcoming tree lightings, generally after Thanksgiving and at the beginning of December. If you or your family like to get up and run, check out some Turkey Trots to keep off all of those Thanksgiving calories.

If you’re trying to get into the fall spirit, these tips will have you snuggling up with some hot cider and believing the leaves are falling outside. Fall doesn’t have to look the same here in Florida as it does everywhere else, just make sure to get into the season of Thanksgiving with friends and family and take advantage of whatever cool weather comes around.